Building Operational Language Expertise in DOD Officers
Abstract
Department of Defense (DoD) officers require a different educational background than the traditional technological one to better prepare them for success on the modern battlefield. This education should be humanities-based and should emphasize cultural understanding and foreign-language skills. Ongoing military operations around the world reveal a serious need for enhanced cultural awareness by Department of Defense (DoD) personnel. From Afghanistan, to Iraq, to the Philippines, to the Horn of Africa, military officers have enmeshed themselves in other cultures during operations. It is possible that this pattern of military contact will remain the norm for the near future. Those military members tasked with leading the way in these challenging overseas environments -- the officers -- require an educational background that adequately prepares them for immersion in foreign cultures. This background should include foreign-language training, Foreign-language skills are a force multiplier for the joint force commander during military operational planning and execution. There are at least three broad strategies the DoD can implement to build a new foreign language foundation for its officers: modify the educational emphasis of officer accession programs, continue to develop language sustainment programs, and examine possible technological enhancements to operational foreign language use (e.g., automatic translation technologies).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 13, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA509127
Entities
People
- James E. Stratton
Organizations
- Marine Corps University